The latest in a series of high visibility police deployments under Operation Claymore 2 was conducted in Barwon Local Area Command this past weekend, NSW Police say.
Operation Claymore 2 was established to focus on traffic, drug, and property crime at identified hotspots in the township of Moree during peak times.
"During this period, additional General Duties and specialist police were strategically deployed in phases over the past four days," Barwon LAC Crime Manager, Detective Inspector David Silversides said.
"The targeted police response included roving patrols, licensed premises inspections, RBT, bail compliance and visits with high risk offenders.
"During the operation police received positive feedback from members of the community, supportive of the high-profile proactive police presence.
Breakdown of results from the past weekend includes:
• 12 arrests, eight charges: offences included serious violence and traffic offences
• Two motorists were charged with drink driving offences and one motorist provided a positive roadside drug test
• 19 notifications completed for children at risk
• Two young person’s will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act in relation to arson offences
• 10 move-on directions were issued, 66 searches were conducted, 105 infringement notices issued, 20 licensed premises were inspected and over 200 vehicles stopped.
Officers also responded to reports of rock throwers and driving complaints which led to the arrests of:
• a 46-year-old man issued with a number of traffic infringement notices after he was identified as the rider of a quad bike in Arunga Street around 6pm yesterday (Sunday 03 December 2017); and
• a 34-year-old man identified as the rider of a motorcycle in Amaroo Drive – the local man has been charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, use unregistered motor vehicle on road and use uninsured motor vehicle.
Detective Inspector Silversides said that despite isolated reports of malicious damage over the weekend, an analysis of the general crime rates across the Command indicated the volume of offences were well down on similar reporting periods.
"This is by no means an indication for us to relax our focus on property crime and we continue to urge residents to be conscious of the security of their homes and vehicles and take basic steps to ensure they are less likely to become a victim. Be aware of what’s going on in your neighbourhood, if something or someone looks out of place or suspicious please call us immediately".
"Barwon Local Area Command remains intent on ensuring acceptable levels of conduct and safety are maintained in our local communities and townships and this includes the civil behaviour of those attending functions and the responsible service of alcohol," he said.
Mr Silversides said, "Considerable resources were required at a number of alcohol fuelled incidents over the weekend including two at licensed venues within the Moree township, on Saturday evening."
"It is a timely reminder for those attending licensed premises over the coming weeks that police patrols will be intensified with a view to swiftly dealing with any inappropriate or troublesome behaviour."
Police urge residents to continue to work with Police and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
Anyone with information that may assist police in relation to people wanted by the police; unsolved crimes and/or future crime that is being planned; or suspicious and unusual activity are urged to contact Police either by phoning Barwon Local Area Command on 02 6757 0799 or Crime Stoppers.
